What Happens Unless the Lord Builds the House?
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What happens unless the Lord builds the house? The word “house” can refer to a physical building, a home, a place of worship, and more. Faith and trust are built when the Lord builds the house.
Where Does the Bible Say, “Unless the Lord Builds the House…?”
The Old Testament book of Psalms is where this Scripture is found. The full version reads, Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain” (Psalm 127:1 NIV).
The book of Psalms can be referred to as a discussion between God and Israel. This Psalm, which includes prayers and praises, reminds us of the need to rely on God and not our own abilities. When we rely on ourselves, our work is done in vain.
Who Wrote the Psalm about What Happens Unless the Lord Builds the House?
This short Psalm credits King Solomon as the author. Some scholars believe David (who wrote many of the Psalms) wrote the words for his son Solomon. This small poem includes five verses that give warnings and also share that the blessings of children come from the Lord. Although short in length, the words are powerful. Referred to as “The Song of Ascents,” the Israelites would sing these words while traveling to Jerusalem for annual feasts.
Solomon was the son of David, a shepherd, and a poet. David’s life was filled with turmoil and sin, yet he trusted God and became the king. Solomon was the son of David and Bathsheba. The relationship between Solomon’s parents began with infidelity, followed by murder when David arranged for Bathsheba’s husband Uriah to be killed. Bathsheba’s first child with David died not long after birth. Later, Bathsheba became pregnant again and gave birth to Solomon.
Although David and Bathsheba had sinned, God used their lives to further His kingdom. Their story reminds us that even though we are sinners, God can use anyone to lead others to Him.
Scripture shares that Solomon knew he could not be a great ruler by his own strength. Therefore, he asked for wisdom from God. “At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, ‘Ask for whatever you want me to give you’” (1 Kings 3:5 NIV).
Solomon asked God for a discerning heart. God answered. We have the opportunity to pray and ask God, too. He will answer in His way and in His timing.
What Will Happen Unless the Lord Builds the House?
God has provided the Bible for guidance, wisdom, and application. Scripture shares how we should follow God and show others His love and glory. When we forgive others, we show the love of Christ. When we act with compassion and kindness, His love is shown. Reading the Bible, studying the Word of God, and staying in constant communication with God through prayer deepen our relationship with God.
What happens when choices are made for self-fulfillment? Or perhaps when words are spoken in anger? What about those times when we forget to go to God first and try to handle things on our own? The result is not the same as when we fully rely on God.
Scripture gives a parable that Jesus shared about a wise man building his house upon a rock which is a firm foundation. “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on a rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock” (Matthew 7:24-25 NIV).
Bad weather came, yet the house withstood the tumultuous times.
Another example of what happened when the foolish man did not hear and follow God, trusting in Him, is found in the following verses. “But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand” (Matthew 7:26 NIV). Scripture shares that when the rain came, and the water rose, the winds blew against the house, and it fell.
Life sometimes becomes so busy that thoughts of asking God for help are put aside. God wants His children to always go to Him first. Seek Him in every situation. Praise Him in the good times and the bad times.
The Bible tells us that when we go to God first, He will provide comfort. God is always listening to our prayers.
Marriages and families need firm foundations. Placing God first is the key to having strong relationships. Each person can apply the Word of God to daily life. Some churches offer counseling before marriage to help guide the union in placing God first in the marriage.
Just as a foundation for a physical house is necessary for safety and well-being, the spiritual foundation is vital for deepening faith and relationship with God. False prophets will try to sway the thinking and beliefs of Christians. We must be alert and ready to discern right from wrong. Any time there are questions or uncertainties, we can pray to God and ask for wisdom, discernment, and revelation.
What Are Some Other Bible Verses that Speak to Similar Ideas?
Other verses in the Bible discuss firm foundations and the Lord building the house. Each Scripture can remind us that God is the foundation.
“He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.” (Isaiah 33:6 NIV)
When thinking of fear of the Lord, this can refer to being in awe of His greatness and glory. Recognizing the majesty and power of God helps guide us to Him.
“Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” (Psalm 62:2 NIV)
Tough times will come and go. In having a relationship with God, knowing He is truly the rock and salvation for His children, we can find comfort in knowing He is with us in every situation.
“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:11 NIV)
There is only one God. Any person who claims to be God is being deceitful. Be alert and stand firm in your faith.
“When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3 NIV)
Those situations where the foundations of Christ are being questioned or attempted to be destroyed are heartbreaking for believers. In times of distress, we can call on God, knowing He is watching and will give justice in His timing.
“For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” (Hebrews 11:10 NIV)
In this Scripture, we learn Abraham was called by God to go to a certain place. Abraham obeyed. He knew that although on this earth, he and his family would live in tents and travel to a foreign country, Abraham looked forward to the city created and built by God.
A Prayer to Remember It is the Lord Who Builds the House
Father, thank You for building Your house and calling us to live with You. Please forgive our sins and lead us away from temptations. May we always remember You are the builder of the house and the firm foundation. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
In His Name,
Melissa Henderson
Photo Credit: Getty Images/justocker
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.
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